Joshua Kwame Yeboah calls for national policy on sexuality education

Joshua Kwame Yeboah, a US-trained sex therapist and founder of the Institute of Sexuality, Marriage and Family Life Research and Training (iSMART), has formally called on the Ghanaian government to establish a national sexuality education policy. Speaking at a graduation ceremony on October 17, 2026, Yeboah emphasized that such a framework is essential for fostering constructive discussions about sexuality within homes, schools, and local communities. He stressed that a formal policy would provide a structured approach to a subject that is often shrouded in silence or misinformation.

Yeboah specifically urged authorities to revisit the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) proposal, which was halted in 2019 following significant public debate. He advocated for a revised version that is both culturally sensitive and scientifically grounded to suit the specific needs of the Ghanaian context. By formalizing this education, Yeboah argued, the state can address widespread misconceptions and provide the public with accurate, reliable information that respects local values while adhering to professional standards.

The call received support from other prominent figures attending the ceremony, including Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Apea and Professor Stephen Doh Fia. These speakers highlighted the necessity of establishing formalized structures in sex therapy education and the importance of professionalizing the field to ensure high-quality care. Yeboah further encouraged current sexuality professionals to leverage social media platforms as vital tools for disseminating accurate information and combating prevailing myths about sexuality in Ghana.

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional cultural sensitivities and the modern need for sexual health awareness. By establishing a clear national policy, proponents believe Ghana can strengthen professional practices in sex therapy and ensure that sexuality education is handled with the necessary expertise and cultural nuance to improve overall public health outcomes.